Tbilisi: Where Tourists Dont Go The Forgotten Rails Tour

When most visitors think of exploring Tbilisi, images of colorful old town streets, lively cafes, and ancient churches come to mind. But for those craving something a bit different — a look behind the curtain into the city’s forgotten railway past — the Forgotten Rails Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Tbilisi’s underground landscape. This isn’t your typical sightseeing outing; it’s a journey into the city’s hidden history and industrial remnants, led by passionate guides eager to show you places you’d never find on your own.

What we love about this experience is how it combines authentic local stories with access to restricted sites, giving you a real sense of the city’s layered past. You’ll visit long-sealed railway repair stations and walk through the homes of Georgia’s first railway workers, adding a personal touch to Georgia’s industrial story. The tour’s focus on offbeat locations helps you see Tbilisi from a different perspective—beyond the usual tourist spots.

One aspect to consider is that the tour involves walking through uneven, sometimes aged facilities, so comfortable walking shoes are essential. Also, since access to some sites is exclusive and limited, participation requires a guided approach, making this tour less suitable for those with mobility issues or seeking a quick, surface-level overview.

This experience best suits travelers who are history buffs, industrial archaeology fans, or those eager to explore the “hidden” side of a city. If you’re interested in stories of Soviet-era infrastructure, local resilience, or underground spaces, then this tour promises a memorable adventure.

Key Points

• Exclusive access to sealed-off railway sites offers a rare glimpse into Tbilisi’s industrial past.
• The guides provide engaging stories that connect the sites to local history and everyday life.
• You’ll visit historic homes of railway workers, adding a personal dimension to the tour.
• The tour includes an exploration of an active 20th-century mine and an abandoned electric depot.
• The metropolitan ride ties the underground exploration with the city’s modern transit history.
• The experience is valued for its authenticity and off-the-beaten-path charm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Tbilisi’s Underground: A Closer Look at the Forgotten Rails Tour

The Forgotten Rails Tour is a two-hour journey into the less-visible parts of Tbilisi, revealing layers of its industrial past and resilience that most visitors never see. Starting at the Rustaveli Metro Station — a familiar landmark for many — you’ll be greeted by your guide and set off into a world where history and modern life intertwine beneath the city streets.

The Journey Begins: Meeting the Guide and Setting Expectations

The tour kicks off with a brief introduction to the city’s railway and metro system—a vital part of Georgia’s development that’s often overlooked. As your guide, Lasha or Chinka (based on reviews) will lead you through backstreets and hidden sites, sharing stories of Georgia’s first railway workers and how these infrastructures shaped modern Tbilisi.

This is a walking tour, and it involves exploring sites that are closed off from the public, including a long-sealed railway repair station. The locations are intriguing for their aesthetic decay and historical significance, but they’re not polished tourist attractions — they’re authentic pieces of the city’s past. Comfortable shoes are a must, as some sites involve uneven floors and limited lighting.

Visiting Historic Homes of Railway Workers

One of the most touching parts of the tour is visiting homes of Georgia’s first railway workers. These modest dwellings, preserved in the neighborhood, serve as a window into the lives of those who built the railways that connected Georgia internally and with the wider Soviet Union. The stories your guide shares about these workers and their families breathe life into the bricks and mortar — a reminder of ordinary people’s contributions often overshadowed by grander monuments.

Exploring a 20th-Century Mine

Next, you’ll venture into an active mine from the 20th century—a rare opportunity to see industrial machinery still in operation and understand the mining industry’s role in local economy and history. Though the mine is still functioning, your visit is safe and controlled, and the guide will explain its historical significance and current relevance.

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The Abandoned Electric Depot and War Refugees

A highlight for many is visiting an abandoned electric depot — a space now serving as a shelter for war refugees. Walking through these stark, yet resilient spaces, you get a vivid picture of how communities adapt and rebuild amid adversity. The stories from recent years add depth and contemporary relevance to the tour, connecting past infrastructure to present struggles and hopes.

Sealed-off Railway Repair Station

Perhaps the most exclusive part of the tour is access to a sealed-off railway repair station. This site, impossible to access without local guidance, offers a glimpse into once-bustling workshops that have been untouched for decades. The sense of mystery and discovery here is palpable, and many reviewers have praised this as the most memorable part of the experience.

The Metro Ride and Modern Tbilisi

Throughout the tour, you’ll ride the metro, giving you a taste of the city’s current transit system and how it connects the old with the new. It’s a practical reminder that beneath the surface, Tbilisi’s transport infrastructure continues to evolve, yet these old sites tell the story of how it all began.

The Value of the Experience

At just around two hours, the tour offers remarkable value for travelers interested in industrial history and authentic local stories. The cost is reasonable considering the exclusive access and the depth of stories you’ll hear. Plus, the small group setting ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

One of the reviews highlights the authenticity of the tour: “You are taken to places you would never go yourself, where you can see reality, where the lives of the locals take place away from luxury and convenience.” This honest perspective is what makes the experience so appealing to those looking for more than just the usual sightseeing.

Guides and Atmosphere

Many travelers praise the guides’ knowledge and passion. As Ali notes, “Lasha, our guide, was incredible. He grew up in the neighborhoods we visited, giving the tour a personal touch.” Their stories bring these abandoned spaces to life, turning what could be a dry exploration into a fascinating narrative about everyday resilience and urban change.

Accessibility and Practicalities

While the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites, the meeting point at Rustaveli Metro Station is central and easy to reach by public transport. The tour involves walking through sometimes uneven terrain, so comfortable shoes are essential.

If you’re considering booking in advance, the flexible cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours prior, making it a low-risk commitment. Paying later also adds flexibility to your travel plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This underground railway exploration is perfect for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in industrial archaeology, Soviet infrastructure, or urban stories. It’s also well-suited for adventurous travelers who want to escape the tourist crowds and see Tbilisi’s raw, real side. If you’re keen on local stories, abandoned spaces, and authentic experiences, then this tour hits the mark.

The tour’s focus on local resilience and history makes it a meaningful addition for travelers looking to understand the fabric of Tbilisi beyond its surface beauty. Also, train and industrial buffs will find the sites and stories particularly fascinating.

Final Thoughts

For a journey into Tbilisi’s underground and industrial past, this tour offers a rare opportunity to see sites normally off-limits and hear stories that bring history to life. The combination of authentic locations, passionate guides, and engaging narratives creates a memorable experience that’s both educational and emotionally impactful.

While it may not suit those with limited mobility or those seeking a traditional city tour, it rewards curious travelers with an eye for hidden stories and lesser-known places. The small group size and local insight make it an immersive adventure that reveals a side of Tbilisi few visitors ever encounter.

If you’re after a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experience that connects the past with the present, this tour is certainly worth considering. It’s a chance to see Tbilisi through the eyes of its workers and survivors — a truly authentic glimpse into the city’s gritty, resilient soul.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour involves walking through uneven spaces and restricted sites, so it’s best suited for teenagers and adults. It might not be ideal for very young children.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about two hours, making it a concise but packed experience.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes due to uneven and sometimes aged flooring. Dress appropriately for potentially cooler underground spaces.

Is the tour available in languages other than English?
The tour is conducted in English and Russian, so check with the provider if you need a specific language.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travel plans.

Are the sites accessible for people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the locations.

Will I see current city life or only historical sites?
While the focus is on historical and abandoned sites, you will also pass through modern parts of the city, including a metro ride.

Is there a time of day when this tour runs?
Availability varies; check the schedule for up-to-date start times.

Is photography allowed in the restricted areas?
The information doesn’t specify, but generally, it’s best to ask the guide first, especially in sensitive or private sites.

How many people are in the group?
The tour tends to be small and intimate, ensuring personalized attention and storytelling.

This underground exploration offers a distinctive way to connect with Tbilisi’s industrial heritage and local stories. Whether you’re a history lover, adventure seeker, or someone eager to see the city beyond the usual, this tour stands out as an authentic, engaging, and eye-opening experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: